From parades to parties to peacing out, here are our favorite ways to enjoy the St. Patrick’s Day holiday in Savannah​!

If you’re from Savannah you know the St. Patrick’s Day Parade is the talk of the town every March. Who will be Grand Marshall? Is your family walking in the parade? Which square are you camping out at? What time are you getting there? So many questions and just as many answers. Savannah’s parade is the 2nd largest St. Patrick’s Day parade in the country (right after New York City). In fact, this year they are expecting 500,000 to partake in the festivities. 

Floats and marching units will hit the streets at 10:15 a.m. on Tuesday, March 17, 2020 for Savannah’s 196th St. Patrick’s Day Parade, which will feature more than 350 marching units and up to 15,000 people. When it started in 1824, the parade was more of a military spectacle, with soldiers from different regimens marching in honor of St. Patrick’s Day. Except for major wars, including the Civil War and World War I, Savannah’s St. Patrick’s Day parade has run nearly every year for the past 188 years. (link)

It seems like everyone has a different perspective on how to enjoy the day off (because let’s face it, no one in Savannah is working on St. Patrick’s Day. Even the schools are closed!)

Here’s how we at Team Callahan like to enjoy the day:

Obviously, food is the way to our hearts at Team Callahan and what’s better than normal food? GREEN food! Especially if you’re Caitlin.

“Since the parade is so long, I like to start in one spot to watch and then walk around to different areas. Great way to meet different people and get free food!” says Gia.

If you’ve been in Savannah for a while, you usually fall in one of two camps: those that never miss a parade or those that believe in the one and done philosophy. Don is obviously in the latter. 😉

For die hards like Shannee, the plan is simple: “I like to wake up early and set up a tent and chairs in a square on the parade route and enjoy up close and comfortable.”

And there are those that enjoy an extra day off like Laura. “The weather is usually nice around this time of year, so I take advantage of an extra day to enjoy the sunshine or work in the yard.”

And bringing us home is a classic from Jesse: “Hanging out in a square and people watching is my favorite.” We hear you. Put 500,000 people together at one time and you’re bound to have some fantastic people watching.

However you enjoy St. Patrick’s Day, we leave you with this Irish blessing: “May love and laughter light your days and warm your heart and home. May good and faithful friends be yours wherever you may roam. May peace and plenty bless your world with joy that long endures. May all life’s passing seasons bring the best to you and yours.”